Page 36 of Every Chance to Stay

“Oh!” Lucky breathed in, smiling wide. The view was incredible. Beyond the pool, Antonio’s house looked out over the cliffs and out to sea. “Jack is gonna be hard to extricate from this pool once he sees it.”

“He’s welcome as often as he wants. As are you and all your friends.” Antonio chuckled, “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk about. You need a base of operations and I’m happy to loan you my home, but that means you should be able to enter even while I’m at work.”

Lucky’s breath caught in his throat as Antonio pulled a key from his pocket. “Antonio…”

The alpha pressed the key into Lucky’s hand, curling his fingers around it before pressing a kiss to Lucky’s knuckles. “It’s not entirely altruistic. I’d love for you to come over at any time, just to see you.”

“I’ll be sure to let you know when we’ve taken over the house.” Lucky smiled, “And… if it’s just me, well, maybe I’ll surprise you.”

Antonio tipped his head back with a prayer on his lips, “You’re going to kill me.”

“I’ll try not to.” Lucky teased, stepping into Antonio’s arms. “So, you mentioned a BBQ…?” He prompted, looking up as Antonio pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Yes, yes… The quarterly BBQ. That is my other conversation topic. Will you come with me? I want to introduce you to the team. Not just for the petition, though everyone will be happy to sign, I am sure.” Antonio hesitated a moment, “I have never been with someone long enough or intensely enough to introduce them at the squad BBQ. SAR is… they are my family, and it would mean a lot to have you there.”

Lucky brushed his fingers along Antonio’s cheek. The man looked so nervous, almost vulnerable as he asked for Lucky to join him. Swallowing past a lump in his throat, Lucky nodded. “Of course I will. It would be my pleasure.”

He didn’t need to be a mind reader to see what it meant to Antonio. The alpha kissed him soundly, unbothered by their guests.

Their fears remained. Even now, with his friends on the battlefield and Antonio’s reassurances, there was every reason to fear this would come to nothing. Lyrica Beach’s land sale had been unstoppable. But Lucky felt ready for the fight now that his feet were on steady ground. He wouldn’t let this end in failure. No matter what, he’d change the tide of battle—one signature at a time.

20

Antonio

Domestic bliss was a unique joy Antonio never believed he would experience. He was dedicated to his work, to the island, to his team, but Lucky had swept in with an equal dedication and a heart big enough for both of them. Antonio felt blessed.

Antonio enjoyed the loud moments. He couldn’t deny the amusement of walking into his house to hear arguing, music playing, printers running, and watching the group interact. Serena had in fact dyed parts of her hair green, an activity that had seen Lucky smiling sheepishly at the state of Antonio’s guest bathroom. Joe and Aurora spent a few hours on Antonio’s couch, the tall Black man seated on it while Aurora sat on the floor between his legs while he braided her hair with bright green strands. He enjoyed talking shop with her about boat engines, eagerly listening to her talk about the repairs to Lucky’s Turtle Top while she worked on logging names from the latest petition sheets. It was wonderfully chaotic.

It was the quiet moments that truly took his breath away. He treasured the times when he came home after several long shifts to find Lucky curled up on the couch, waiting with a hot beverage. Too early to think about forever but he wouldn’t mind if forever involved Lucky’s tea and a chance to sleep off the work in his lap.

Despite their busy schedules, the key became a point of connection. They didn’t have to wait. Lucky could just appear when he wanted, and they could make the time they found work in ways neither expected.

The morning of the BBQ was an entirely new experience. After breakfast, Lucky took over the bathroom counter with lotions, makeup, and hair products. Antonio showered while Lucky styled his curls, and he brushed his teeth while Lucky smoothed unscented sunscreen over his whole body. He kissed Lucky’s cheek on his way out.

Antonio pulled on a black button-down linen t-shirt and white linen pants for the BBQ, styling his hair with his fingers.

“That’s a nice watch.” Lucky hummed stepping out of the bathroom. Antonio arched a brow as Lucky looked him up and down.

“It was a gift from my mother.” Antonio fixed the clasp and gave himself a once over in the mirror.

“You clean up nicely.” Lucky teased, “Maybe I should make you take me out on a proper date with all the works sometime.”

Antonio sat on the bed, watching Lucky pull on a gold skort over beige underwear. Lucky carefully fit a white crop top over his head, one that showed the Marine Center logo in gold foil. “You’re adorable, mi amor.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Lucky hummed, vanishing into the bathroom once more. When he came out, there were small gold dolphins dangling from his ears.

“Maybe we don’t need to go, maybe I should just take you to bed.” Antonio smiled, tracing the line of skin on display between Lucky’s top and bottom. “You look good enough to eat.”

“Then we better get to the BBQ so you aren’t starving.” Lucky’s dry response dragged a laugh from him. But Lucky placed a hand on his chest as mischief glimmered in blue eyes, “Or should I say, before I give in and take a bite…”

Lucky danced out of reach, leaving Antonio to shake his head and follow the omega downstairs. They stopped to pull on shoes. He had well-loved sandals while Lucky stepped into purple flipflops to match his purple sunglasses. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, perfect for what the team had planned.

“Will I be the only plus one?” Lucky asked, tucking his tablet and a stack of fliers into his shoulder bag.

“No. Almost everyone is bringing someone, partners or family members usually.” Antonio held the Jeep door open for Lucky before climbing into the driver’s side. He waited until he pulled onto the main road to continue, “It’s a way for us all to bond and also to remember we’re human. We have lives, friends, lovers… Our work is dangerous, sometimes we need to remember what and who we’re risking.”

It was somber but honest.